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World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2006; 12(18): 2864-2869
Published online May 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i18.2864
New perspectives of studying gastrointestinal muscle function
Hans Gregersen, Donghua Liao
Hans Gregersen, Center for Visceral Biomechanics & Pain, Aalborg Hospital and the Institute of Health Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark, and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen Norway
Donghua Liao, Center for Visceral Biomechanics & Pain, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
Correspondence to: Hans Gregersen, professor, Center for Visceral Biomechanics and Pain, The Research Building, Aalborg Hospital, DK-9100 Aalborg, Denmark. hag@aas.nja.dk
Telephone: +45-99326825 Fax: +45-99326801
Received: March 25, 2006
Revised: March 28, 2006
Accepted: April 10, 2006
Published online: May 14, 2006
Abstract

The motor function of the gastrointestinal tract has primarily been studied using manometry and radiography, though more indirect tests have also been applied. Manometry and radiography do not provide detailed information about the muscle properties as can be assessed from studies of muscle properties in muscle strips in vitro. In recent years a technique based on impedance planimetric measurement of pressure-cross-sectional area relations in a distending bag has proven to provide more detailed information about the muscle function in vivo. This review shows examples of new muscle function analysis such as length-tension diagrams, force-velocity curves and preload-afterload diagrams.

Keywords: Muscle analysis, Length-tension, Force, Velocity